Do You Cut Back Red Hot Poker Plants?

Red hot pokers, or torch lilies, are dramatic, spiky plants that add a vertical element to the garden. They grow in a wide range of colors, including orange, yellow, pink and red.

These tough perennials are heat and drought tolerant, making them ideal for growing in hot, dry conditions. Red hot pokers are also relatively deer resistant.

While they are low maintenance plants that can tolerate neglect, red hot pokers do need some basic care to thrive. They should be planted in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

PRO TIP:Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia) plants should be cut back in late fall/early winter. New growth will begin in early spring and the plants will flower from late spring through summer. For a fuller bloom, deadhead the spent flowers and remove any dead foliage.

Once established, they are quite drought tolerant and don’t need much supplemental watering. Fertilize red hot pokers yearly with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10.

Pruning is the main task you’ll need to do to keep your red hot poker looking its best. Cut back the flower stalks after blooming is finished for the season.

You can also cut back the entire plant by one-third its height in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This will help promote bushier growth and more flowers.